A federal program that works

USDA Rural Development - Committed to the future of rural communities

Building North Dakota

State Director Jasper Schneider

We appreciate the positive response we received on the Progress Report issued by Rural Development last month. The Fargo Forum's editorial board recognized USDA Rural Development as a "Federal program that works." Their full editorial may be read by clicking on the link to the right.

The investments made in North Dakota communities has not only contributed to the positive economic climate in the state, but also lays the foundation for long-term economic success. Having supporting communities and a workforce will play an important role in helping us realize our full potential in our agriculture and energy industries.

We are thankful to have such great partners and we appreciate your help in spreading the importance of building a better North Dakota through USDA Rural Development.

Jasper Sign

Jasper Schneider

THE FORUM EDITORIAL - Aug. 21, 2011

Today's issue: USDA Rural Development issues report for North Dakota.

Our position: Funding has been put to good use in all corners of the state

A FEDERAL PROGRAM THAT WORKS

If rhetoric these days in North Dakota is fashionably anti-federal spending, the reality is quite different.

A "progress report" issued last week by USDA Rural Development in North Dkaota lists 43 projects that received a total of $969 million last year in

Rural Development Progress Report.

direct loans, guaranteed loans and grants. The source of most of the dollars was USDA appropriations, but about $200 million came from that much-maligned American Recovery and Investment Act, commonly known as the stimululs. As far as we can tell non of the anti-government types involved in securing the funding for North Dakota investments refused or turned back the stimulus money.

The federal dollars have been put to good use in the state. Read more.

Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.

WEST FARGO

USDA Welcomes New West Fargo Fire Hall

The West Fargo Fire Department recently celebrated the completion of their new fire hall with several partners and stakeholders. Through USDA Rural Development, the project received a $1.5 million loan to construct the 9,000 square foot facility.

West Fargo has experienced tremendous growth in recent years as housing and commercial developments expanded south of I-94. This presented new challenges to fire and police services as response times increased, making the need for an additional facility even greater. The Fire Department hopes to have an open house for the public to tour the facility sometime in October. Read more.

WDAY TV: West Fargo shows off new fire hall

LINTON

Left to Right: State Director Jasper Schneider; Sue Schumacher; Chuck Hendricks, President of Five Star Services; and Bruce Senger, Property Manager at Five Star Services.

Sue Schumacher receives Manager of the Year Award

We presented the 2011 North Dakota Multi-Family Housing Site Manager of the Year award to the very deserving Sue Schumacher.

Rural Development helps ensure communities have affordable rental options, but it's the efforts of managers like Sue who guarantee the success of these housing communities.

Since 2008, Sue Schumacher has managed The Willows Apartments in Linton under Five Star Services, Inc. With a limited budget, Schumacher has effectively managed the day-to-day operations and appearance of the property. She has also been instrumental in promoting the apartments by successfully increasing the occupancy to an all time high this year. Read more.

Minot

Northwest Rural Consortium

I had the privilege of speaking at the first Northwest Rural Consortium convened by the Great Plains Center for Community Research and Service (GPCCRS). The focus was on enhancing the quality of life in our rural communities which is also a priority at USDA Rural Development. The consortium also provided an opportunity for the GPCCRS to share on how they could be a research and service partner and bring projects involving students to your community.

Food and Agriculture Council

A crowd gathered at Farmers Union to discuss the next Farm Bill.

North Dakota Farmers Union - Jamestown

The North Dakota Food and Agriculture Council (FAC) met at the North Dakota Farmers Union building in Jamestown on September 8th. The council is made up of federal, state and local agriculture entities with a focus on coordinating interagency activities.

I facilitated a discussion focused on the crafting of the next Farm Bill. Scott Stofferahn, State Director for Senator Conrad; Tom Brusegaard, Field Representative for Senator Hoeven; Dale Ihry, FSA Farm Program Director; and Robert Carlson, Farmers Union President all spoke on the topic. The public was invited to attend and participate in the discussion.

In each state, the Food and Agriculture Council was established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The councils are utilized as a tool to gather feedback on procedural issues, receive recommendations on policies, and to keep informed on agriculture and rural development concerns. If you would like to be notified of the next FAC meeting, please email info@nd.usda.gov.

Program Updates:

Community Facilities: Rural communities are faced with many challenges. One challenge is obtaining the financial resources necessary to construct new municipal buildings or purchase vehicles and equipment. With all the budget discussions going on in Washington, DC, many programs are facing cuts in funding. One program that will most likely see an increase of funding is Rural Development's Community Facilities direct loan program. The success of this program in providing assistance to rural communities has caught the eye of policymakers. Rural Development's Community Facilities program is able to provide direct and guarantee loans and/or grants for essential community based projects. All applications are first considered for loan funds based on the ability to repay a debt. Grant funds may be applied to assist with keeping payments in reach of a community's financial resources. Eligibility is determined by the Median Household Income (MHI) for the service area of the project. Rural communities interested in locating funding for improving infrastructure, emergency vehicles and equipment are encouraged to visit

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HCF_CF.html or contact mark.wax@nd.usda.gov.

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